Fremont, CA: Shortly, the concept of "smart buildings" will become obsolete. While buildings will remain highly interoperable, equipped with extensive sensor data and managed by artificial intelligence and machine learning, "smart buildings" will no longer be in everyday use. Instead, buildings will exist as a standard, with intelligent features being the norm in construction and operation.
Nevertheless, the industry has not yet reached this point. There will still be "dumb" buildings that have become outdated and not adapted to current automation advancements. Facility managers must ensure that their buildings do not fall into this category.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
Therefore, regardless of their buildings' current level of intelligence, facility managers should remain informed about the latest technologies and strategies that are gaining traction. Below are four of the most significant trends in innovative building technology.
Real-Time Monitoring
The reduction in costs and the increased accessibility of sensors and smart meters in buildings have led to a significant surge in building data. While this development presents numerous advantages, it can also pose challenges in certain situations.
Real-time monitoring provides ongoing data and immediate reports regarding the status of building systems and energy consumption. This information can be utilized to optimize and balance systems for maximum efficiency, trigger alerts in the event of system malfunctions or deviations from expected performance, and facilitate communication with utility providers to secure the most favorable rate structures.
Occupancy-Based Controls
Building occupancy levels have fluctuated significantly in recent years as organizations navigate their work-from-home, hybrid, and return-to-office strategies. Consequently, a key trend in smart buildings is the capability to monitor and manage activities within a space, adapting to occupancy that varies not only daily but also hourly.
A sophisticated occupancy-based control system offers substantial advantages, including energy efficiency and enhanced comfort for occupants. For HVAC systems, occupancy sensors can lower temperature setpoints by 2-3 degrees or more when a space is unoccupied, leading to energy conservation.
Cybersecurity
The advancement of innovative building technology presents significant opportunities for positive transformation. However, it also increases the risk of malicious entities infiltrating these systems. This is particularly concerning in healthcare environments, where ransomware attacks are rising. Such cyberattacks can effectively hold an organization’s data hostage, severely disrupting operations and resulting in substantial financial losses.
In recent years, facility managers' responsibility to enhance the cybersecurity of smart building systems has notably intensified a trend that is expected to persist. Although cybersecurity may not be a primary focus of facility management, it is an area where facility managers can enhance their value to the organization by acquiring fundamental knowledge.
